Bowmore, Islay’s oldest licensed distillery, and Laphroaig, one of the world’s most distinctive single malts, are set to mark 40 years of Fèis Ìle with highly anticipated limited-edition expressions.
Laphroaig Càirdeas French Oak
Laphroaig is unveiling the latest edition of its highly collectable Càirdeas series, a highly sought-after annual release amongst Friends of Laphroaig worldwide.
Laphroaig Càirdeas French Oak single malt has been 100% matured in French oak casks, a first for the distillery, offering a distinctive take on the whisky-maker’s signature peated style. The cask influence combined with the spirit offers balanced smoke, vanilla, and liquorice, with notes of spice, dark chocolate, star anise, and sweet fruits.
Now in its eighteenth year, the Càirdeas series – meaning ‘friendship’ in Gaelic – has built a cult following. It explores innovative cask influences, giving fans new drinking experiences and perspectives on Laphroaig’s spirit.
Dr Calum Fraser, master blender, Scotch and Irish at Suntory Global Spirits, said: “It has been fascinating to see the influence of French oak on Laphroaig’s spirit. The casks create a smooth, balanced whisky with notable depth and complexity. Alongside the signature smoke and surprising sweetness, the fruit character stands out, with notes reminiscent of honeydew melon, tart cherries, and pomegranate.”
Bottled at 52.6% ABV and £89 GBP RSP, this expression will be available to buy at the distillery and for Friends of Laphroaig on Laphroaig.com* from this Saturday, 23rd May.
Bowmore 9-Year-Old Fèis Ìle 2026
Following last year’s Fèis Ìle bottling, Bowmore is unveiling a new 100% floor malted single cask release. Bowmore’s commitment to hand-turning malted barley is paramount to achieving the whisky-maker’s exceptional taste and layers of flavour. Coupled with maturation in a first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry cask, this Bowmore 9-Year-Old Fèis Ìle exclusive is sweet and spicy, with notes of almonds, dates, candied orange, cinnamon, black pepper and sweet BBQ woodsmoke.
Only 641 bottles will be available to buy exclusively at the Bowmore distillery, priced at £130 and 55.4% ABV.
Details of each distillery’s Fèis Ìle tastings are available on Laphroaig.com and Bowmore.com.
